In doing so, Pope Leo will revive a 1,000-year-old papal custom. He’s expected at Castel Gandolfo on Sunday, for a two-week summer retreat. This beautiful, medieval mountaintop village, about an hour south of Rome, has served as the Vatican’s summer retreat since 1930. Castel Gandolfo in the Alban Hills features stunning views and a peaceful feel. It is a respite from the intense summer heat of the Italian capital.
The Vatican’s connections to Castel Gandolfo date back to 1596. That year, it purchased an Imperial villa. Renovations under Pope Urbano VIII made the town the official papal summer residence. The incredible Renaissance gardens at the Apostolic Palace and vast ceremonial halls, once worn by 16th-century popes, still cover the palazzo and bear witness to its past splendor. It will stay open as a museum during Pope Leo’s permanent sojourn.
Pope Leo’s decision is a striking move in a completely different direction from his predecessor, Pope Francis. In 2013, Pope Francis deviated from custom when he didn’t spend his summers at Castel Gandolfo. Our current pontiff made a point to visit the site three times in those first dizzying months of his papacy. Since then, the town’s status has shifted from its long-held position as a destination for religious pilgrims to a thriving tourist hotspot following the palace’s opening as a museum.
Understandably, local shopkeepers, excited for the return of papal presence, have told us how thrilled they are at the prospect of welcome from Pope Leo. Anna and Maurizio Carosi, local business owners, reflected on the emotional impact of Pope Francis’s choice to forgo Castel Gandolfo, comparing it to a divorce. Alberto De Angelis, a local resident who campaigned for the change, shared his elation. Then he added, “To know that Pope Leo has heard the intention of our community, that for many years dreamed to see a pope in its square, makes the hearts and souls of Larinos rejoice.”
We found that the town’s overall vibe is a lot more peaceful and encouraging for relaxing, introspection, etc in the summer months. Their calm spaces make for an ideal place to unwind after enjoying all the recreational pursuits. Carosi added, “With such an athletic pope, he will have a chance to take long strolls in the gardens.” The pope will be laying to rest, but very much coming alive. Look for him to be giving formation in audiences and leading rosaries on the way.
Even in the vacation setting, observers expect Pope Leo to be focused on keeping up with his Vatican duties. “Just because they’re on holiday, they don’t necessarily stop working,” commented Tadeusz Rozmus, emphasizing that papal responsibilities will continue alongside leisure activities.
Visitors to Castel Gandolfo can walk the recently restored palace gardens and enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Albano. The sweeping lakeside vistas from the papal bedroom windows are one of the main draws for visitors to these rooms. Whether locals or international visitors, everyone is excited as the town gears up for its first papal visit in almost 40 years.
We now turn to campus preparations for Pope Leo’s two-week residence. He’ll be back for a few more days in mid-August. His artistry resurrects the homegrown traditions that Gulf Coast natives have longed for. They’ve pined for these traditions ever since Pope Francis abandoned them.
“Everyone is asking for his image but I heard he doesn’t want to see his face on glasses, plates, candles or whatever.” – Carosi